Dec gets decked by gym mat before Saturday Night Takeaway

Declan Donnelly injured his foot during rehearsals for a performance with gymnastics troupe Spelbound just hours before 'Saturday Night Takeaway' was about to be broadcast live

Declan Donnelly was left injured by a gym mat just hours before 'Saturday Night Takeaway' went live at the weekend.

The TV star and his presenting partner Ant McPartlin were rehearsing with gymnastics troupe Spelbound to ensure everything was set for the show's finale when Dec turned his foot after tripping over the rubber mat.

The 37-year-old host was left writhing in agony and medics quickly rushed to his aid applying ice packs to his swollen ankle and foot.

But despite fears he would be unable to perform with the 'Britain's Got Talent' act and could even struggle to get through the show, Dec decided he would go ahead and do it because he couldn't let down the viewers and audience.

A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "No one knew but Dec was in a lot of pain throughout the show. But he didn't want to let anyone down and knew viewers would love to see him and Ant with Spelbound. He was gutted he did something so silly and almost ruined their finale."

Ant and Dec were seen on the ITV show in skimpy gymnastics outfits and, despite his injury, Dec caught a Spelbound member as they jumped through the air and took the weight of another.